Roxbury Nine
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This material is based upon work assisted by a grant from the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior. |
Roxbury’s vintage “base ball” team, the Roxbury Nine, has revived our national pastime exactly as it was played in the Good Old Days of 1898. The Nine have a decade of dedication to authentic bare-knuckle action, and they have the trophies and the calluses to prove it.
Throughout the early 20th century, "town ball" would bring farmers, blacksmiths, and shopkeepers to Helen Gould Shepard's resplendent Kirkside Park on summer Saturdays to play with teams from the neighboring hamlets. After decades of neglect, Kirkside was restored to its former simple elegance with a lot of community sweat and dedication. Once complete, someone said, "What a great place to play base ball!" And so the Roxbury Nine was re-born.
The Nine today still includes local tradesmen, professionals, farmers, and teachers who relish the purity and all-out action of the 19th century game. Only the catcher uses a mitt; the rest of the defense goes after pop flies and grounders with bare hands or an unpadded “work” glove. The Nine have captured the coveted Harry M. Keator Vintage Base Ball Cup every season the tournament has been played — come watch them defend the Keator Cup once again this Labor Day weekend. Admission is free to the games, and donations are appreciated.